6 FOODS THAT PREVENT HEART DISEASE

As we grow older, we would not like to be victims of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure. Our diet and our lifestyle play a major role in the development of diseases of the heart. A healthy diet is one of the single and most powerful weapon to prevent heart diseases and avoid medications. Here are some foods for a healthy heart

1 Oranges

Oranges are able to lower bad cholesterol, reduce hypertension and prevent heart failure. In order for this to be very effective, you don’t have to wait till you develop hypertension before you start looking for a healthy diet. It is important to eat orange as a preventive measure to ensure that you don’t develop heart diseases.

Oranges contain fiber which is known as pectin. Research has showed that pectin helps in removing bad cholesterol from our system. Oranges also contains potassium which acts against sodium, one of the causes of increased blood pressure. This helps in regulating blood pressure. To get the best health benefit from orange, eat the whole fruit instead of extracting the juice.

2 Garlic

Garlic has so many health benefits. It promotes a healthy heart by eliminating plaque in our blood vessels and reduces high blood pressure. It is more beneficial to eat the real garlic in its natural form instead of taking garlic supplements.

3 sardines

Sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids which helps in lowering triglycerides and increases high density Lipoprotein (HDL). In other words, it helps in reducing bad cholesterol and helps in increasing the good cholesterol.

4 Pomegranates

Pomegranates help in reducing the occurrence of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of our arteries due to the buildup of plaque or fatty deposits) by bringing down LDL (bad cholesterol). LDL (low density lipoprotein) is responsible for the buildup of plaques or fatty deposits around our arteries.

5 kale

Kale is a dark leafy green vegetable that promotes a healthy heart because it is able to prevent atherosclerosis due to the nutrients and compounds found in it. 

6 Tomato

Tomato contains lycopene, which had been found to help in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and heart diseases.

References:

Mayo Clinic: Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease

Helpguide.org: Heart healthy diet tips